Principled Leadership in Times of Crisis
September 11th, 2008 by Russ VerneyBefore I move forward with an important report for today, I would like to recognize and remember the 2,819 men and women who lost their lives seven years ago. As a result of the attacks of September 11th, Americans came together, setting aside differences in order mourn our shared losses and assist our neighbors in need.
May we never forget . . .
In times of crisis, strength in leadership requires boldness of character, clear direction and firm resolve. As we witnessed after the attacks of September 11th, President George W. Bush showed incredible leadership as he stood atop a fire truck amidst the rubble of the twin towers to rally America.
While the quality of leadership is rare enough, principled leaders are few and far between. Those who do appear to posses the traits necessary to lead, for reasons only known to themselves, frequently choose not to stand on principle.
Yesterday, our vice presidential candidate, Wayne Allyn Root, offered to step aside to allow Congressman Ron Paul an opportunity to serve on the presidential ticket of the Libertarian Party and move the agenda of Liberty forward.
On the surface, a simple offer was extended. In fact it was principled leadership at its finest.
Wayne Allyn Root showed his deep commitment to the principles of our cause. Without hesitation or regard to the effort, time and personal funds he has committed to the issues of freedom, smaller government, less taxes and the Libertarian ticket, Wayne offered to step aside to allow another leader to step up.
I could not be more proud of his actions and selflessness.
As America is hurling towards crisis on many fronts, we need principled leaders like Bob Barr and Wayne Allyn Root. We have no time to waste on anything other than spreading the message of smaller government, less taxes, and more personal freedom issues across this nation.
That brings me to my next point.
Today our campaign is being criticized by a few people for my decision to not attend a press conference sponsored by Ron Paul’s political action committee. I thought I would take a minute to explain to you why I made that decision.
It became evident to me after meeting with Ron Paul’s staff that this media event was not about promoting the liberty agenda; it was about promoting a man. That’s not what we’re in this for.
After rumors were spread in advance of the news conference that Bob Barr was dropping from the race – just to hype the event – I became even more hesitant to attend. Those tactics were unacceptable and when asked about it, Ron Paul’s staff simply smiled and said it would attract the press.
When I was provided a copy of Ron Paul’s prepared remarks just hours before the start of the planned news conference it became clear to me that the message Ron Paul intended to deliver was essentially to scatter the votes for the liberty agenda to the four winds.
His remarks not only encouraged anyone listening to support any one of four candidates, he also applauded ‘non-voters’. To me encouraging people not to vote is not principled leadership for the Liberty agenda.
I made the decision that attending that news conference was not consistent with Bob Barr’s principled leadership for the Liberty agenda.
Once I informed Ron Paul’s staff of my decision I was rudely informed that my decision would have permanent ramifications, I was personally threatened and Bob Barr was politically threatened. That’s a far cry from principled leadership.
One thing that did occur as a result of yesterday’s events is a clear separation of certain factions. Up until now, we have been dealing with two groups, those who want to advance the issues of liberty and those who have been drawn into a cult of personality.
There are those who support a specific politician and then there are those who support the liberty agenda regardless of standard-bearer.
Bob Barr, Wayne Allyn Root and the Libertarian Party stand for the issues of personal freedom and responsible government. As they have proven, both Bob and Wayne are willing to lead or follow for the advancement of our issues.
Now is their time to lead.
As we move into the final 50 days of the campaign we are in place to make a strong impact on the future of our country.
At the end of the day, the number of votes cast in support of the Liberty agenda in the General Election will influence the national political agenda of the next four years.
If we do our jobs, work hard and give us much as possible until Election Day, our voices will be heard and our agenda of smaller government, lower taxes, more personal freedom and government accountability will be on the table for years to come.
I appreciate your commitment and dedication.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Some of us are dedicated to the cause, and are not afforded the luxury of engaging in petty bickering. There’s no time for matters of personal pride so long as our nation faces serious challenges, and a serious lack of viable solutions from the status quo hydra known as McBama.
Thank you for filling us in on what happened from your perspective, Mr. Verney.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
At first I was upset that Mr. Barr had apparently brushed off Mr. Paul in declining to share the stage with him at yesterdays press conference - but to see that he would of been promoting two socialists and a religious zealot equally with a libertarian - I am now upset with Ron Paul - What a wasted opportunity to really educate America and unify the feedom movement. Also - calling on Americans to vote 3rd party while he himself stays in the republican party while calling them corrupt really muddles the message - come home Ron Paul!
September 11th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
“At the end of the day, the number of votes cast in support of the Liberty agenda in the General Election will influence the national political agenda of the next four years.”
…and the next election cycle. Stronger numbers equals less ballot access hassles the next time around, which equals more money going towards actual campaigns, rather than having to spend it on just getting into the game.
Bravo, Mr. Verney.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Russ, I appreciate the clarification, I wish there was more of it yesterday. I and many others were just looking for some communication as to what was going on. We have supported the campaign with time and money, and we were left in the dark while Bob was trashed on every message board and blog that discussed yesterday’s events.
I have one practical question that I haven’t seen an answer to: If Ron Paul were to accept the VP spot, how in the world would this actually be implemented??? We’ve all seen how difficult it has been for Bob to get onto the ballots, how can we expect that we’d be able to pull of switching out our VP this late in the game? Wouldn’t each state have their own rules on this? With Paul on the ticket, it would give the 2 major parties something to really worry about, I imagine we’d spend the rest of the time from now until November in ballot access lawsuits.
And the bigger question is if it is not realistic, then why ask him in the first place? What do you have to gain except a couple headlines that will be forgotten tomorrow?
September 11th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Thanks for the update. I continue to admire Mr. Paul and hope this impropriety was due to zealous supporters. I was disappointed in the non-vote remarks. Voting third party is an action, even spoiling a ballot is an action which speaks loudly. Not voting seems to mean not caring, and does very little good.
Oh, well. Nice try but no dice.
Now, back on the road to the White House.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Andrew,
The VP offer was legit. Barr did this last year as an LNC member and asked him to run for president.
As far as how it works, it’s actually easier than you think and doesn’t involve ballot access. VP substitution is still viable but all that matters are the pledges of the electors who pledge to the ticket and can switch the VP choice. Essentially, if he had accepted the offer, (he declined to lead again) he would campaign on the ticket with Wayne’s support.
I’m personally glad Paul declined as what Wayne did showed heart and selflessness just as Bob showed last year. That’s what we need. While I appreciate all that Ron Paul has done in serving the country, he and his staff members are flailing around with no direction and offering no leadership.
Another point, for $35 million, we should expect a bit more. The Barr campaign hasn’t even raised their first million and has obtained more media and will probably get more votes than Paul ever did. Sad but true.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
“After rumors were spread in advance of the news conference that Bob Barr was dropping from the race – just to hype the event – I became even more hesitant to attend. Those tactics were unacceptable and when asked about it, Ron Paul’s staff simply smiled and said it would attract the press.”
This doesn’t make sense. How can there be a press conference with 4 candidates in attendance if 1 of them will be dropping out?? Right now, I don’t really know what RP’s staff said or didn’t say, I’ll take your word for it at the moment. Rumor spreading wasn’t necessarily done by RP’s staff or CFL, but this should be determined. Either way, Bob could have spoken to Dr. Paul directly about this and eliminated any questions. That’s where Bob could have been a leader too, by not listening to rumors and getting to the facts.
What might have been a better approach would be to have Bob Barr attend the event as scheduled. After RP spoke, Bob could have spoken to denounce any rumors and state he’s still in the race and with the press in attendance ask voters to rally around him. Bob could have used this event to his best advantage.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I’m seeing this from both sides to the fence. As a republican voter, I side with Ron for his liberty message. I also side with Bob Barr, as he’s the most powerful 3rd party candidate in the Kentucky ticket. I agree with Ron Paul’s statement last night on the Glenn Beck show, that you must work within the two party system to get elected, but a majority of voters rejecting the established parties by voting 3rd party will definitely send the message to congress faster than trying to elect people within the two party boundaries, as we have to work currently to get people elected on the local and state levels through primaries.
Also from what I’ve read, is that the hostilities between the Barr campaign and the Paul campaign for Liberty are mainly supporter based, and don’t reflect the core ideas of either Bob Barr or Ron Paul. Same goes for Charles Baldwin. There’s a bitterness between these three parties that needs to stop, on the supporters level. If we don’t peacefully lead the revolution for liberty, then we’ll end up becoming the next fall of Rome.
Congress can not change overnight. But we can make a difference by finding a way to compromise for the sake of Liberty.
Signed:
A disgruntled Ron Paul supporting Republican, voting for Bob Barr 08.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Thank you so much for this detailed explanantion.
Yesterday was unsettling.
Today we can go back to working as hard as we can for Bob and Wayne and the values and principles for which they and the Libertarian Party stand.
I also see we have over 200 new donors already this week!
And special thanks to everyone who keeps on donating to keep this campaign going every day!
September 11th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Here here! Glad to have this all cleared up.
It took balls to ask for Ron Paul’s VP, and balls for Wayne Allyn Root to set aside his position. Bravo Libertarian Party.
Although I think Bob Barr should have attended the event, I do believe the Liberty message is more important than just one man, or any man. It is either Liberty for all, or no one at all.
Ron Paul’s views are Libertarian views. Barr and Root are/were trying to strengthen the cause, by giving Ron Paul supporters their strongest democratic voice: the ability to vote. We can only hope that Ron Paul will finally accept the position as running-mate, and garner the support of the Campaign For Liberty; which I believe are nearly (if not completely) the same values of the Libertarian party.
Run, Paul, Run! Give the people a voice!
September 11th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Stefan, Paul already turned down the offer.
I was a very active supporter to Ron Paul’s campaign and am in tears because of what he’s doing now. He refuses to run as anything other than a Republican but spends his time railing about how corrupt his party is. He then goes and turns down this offer and then ALLOWS himself to be placed on the ballot in TWO states!
Ron Paul, once the champion of Liberty, is now another hurdle in front of Liberty’s advance. I am very sad.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I’m pleased the flack regarding this issue is resolving. Hopefully this event will not harm Bob Barr or Ron Paul in their pursuits to improve our government.
Also, confidentially, I think that Wayne Allyn Root will serve as a better vice president than Paul would. Just my opinion, though.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Dr. Paul is indeed the one that made the strategic blunder, not Bob Barr. Dr. Paul’s press conference only makes it more difficult to get a libertarian message in the debates. He’s unintentionally persuaded his supporters to spread their resources around instead of focusing them. To my astonishment, some Paul supporters are now advocating voting for and sending money to the socialist Ralph Nader. I wish to reiterate that Dr. Paul’s simply made a mistake. Dr. Paul did not intend to have this effect. I’d also like to condemn Dr. Paul’s campaign staff, for a long train of bad moves.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I was very critical of the Barr campaign yesterday, but this explanation helps a lot; I wish it had come out yesterday. I have just made another donation to the campaign and look forward to continuing to support Mr. Barr and the cause of liberty.
Mr. Root, your selflessness in this matter is commendable and not at all typical of today’s politicians. I’m glad you won’t be leaving the ticket.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I support you 100% and I’m sorry that you had to confront the Paulite’s during the campaign season but it had to be done. Ron Paul has built a coalition of the timid. They cannot support any particular party or any particular agenda, because it scatters his coalition. They don’t believe in anything particular, so to them, its no big deal to support a near socialist party, or a quasi religious party…to them its about vague feelings of being alternative or anti-mainstream, rather than being FOR something and ABOUT principle.
I respect Ron Paul, but even if this cult of personality was not his creation, the fact is, it exists. The Libertarian party has been around 37 years, it is the mechanism for change that exists year in and year out, and builds towards that day when we have critical mass.
Paul, as nice as he is, won’t be around forever, any movement based on him is a mistake. And worse, any movement built on ’shiny new’ where the feeling is the organization is still ‘pure’ will fade, the support will evaporate in a heartbeat, because it can never last.
The LP good and bad, is an enduring organization with a hard core group of loyal supporters, and that means a lot.
Its exactly why these even smaller parties try to poach our members instead of attracting their own. Independent minded, politically active, and financially contributing members, such as the LP has (and many more than these other groups) is pure gold, and they will spend all their time trying to get at these members, rather than the multi-year, multi-million dollar process of finding their own among an electorate that could care less.
Yes, Bob Barr did the right thing and showed great leadership. He took a hit, but he did it, because the day was going to come when this issue had to be reckoned with.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I belive that Bob Barr has now changed in a good way from the Apprentice to the Master. Barr is now a true leader and has shown that he is no longer a 3rd party canaidate but as a true main party contender. He has now gianed the experience of an attack and has handled it very well. He is now ready to fight with the Rs and Ds and win.
I am organizeing a Debate at Gwynedd-Mercy College for students but I am also trying to get maybe Bob Barr and other Parties to come and hold a real debate.
If Bob Barr would like the idea of a Debate at GMC please call me at 267-615-3313 or e-mail me at Calvary552@aol.com
September 11th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I, too, thought a Barr/Paul ticket may be too good to be true. While I have the utmost respect for Ron Paul, it appears he would prefer to talk-the-talk rather than walk-the-walk…what a close to perfect ticket it could have been. Regardless, what needs to happen now is to quickly educate the voters by showing how Libertarian leadership is the only way to keep this country from spiraling into a bipartisan black hole, from which we can never escape.
We are apparently locked out of the CPD debates, but what about a debate among the third party candidates, at the exclusion of the Dems and Reps?
Perhaps another organization (Citizen’s Debate Commission?) could organize one or two of these before the election. I am confident there would be widespread interest in listening to the nominees of the viable third party campaigns.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I think both Bob and Ron have let their egos get in the way of the Liberty agenda. The offer of the vice-presidency ends up coming across as a hollow gesture after Bob’s no-show at the press conference. No amount of spin will convince Ron Paul supporters now that Ron was not slighted by Bob.
I happen to agree with Ron that a vote for any third party candidate is better than either voting for the duopoly or not voting at all. I don’t agree with him that the the Republican party can be saved but I respect his desire to try given how difficult it is to accomplish anything with third party efforts either.
Right now though, I am deeply disappointed in both these men.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Rail4: when did he turn it down?
I would say Ron Paul’s strategy is definitely not 2008 voter friendly, but he is a senator: That’s important. I guess he doesn’t want to jeopardize that.
Why he wouldn’t endorse the Libertarian party is beyond me. Maybe not to get the Republicans angry at him? It seems odd. The Campaign For Liberty seems equal to the Libertarian party’s values. (Tell me otherwise if I’m incorrect.) I understand that he wants to change the system, or at least, allow 3rd parties to take part in the main debates. He just needs to tip his hat and he can get that change this year he (and we) so desperately want.
Barr/Root is still the most clearest, simplest choice for Liberty.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Look at 2004 presidential results:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_2004
Nader (independent) 0.38%
Badnarik (lp): 0.32%
Constitution: 0.12%
Green: 0.10%
Crunch the numbers for a bit, combined, the top 4 vote getters in the general election, for 3rd parties, received less than 1 percent.
Ron Paul says, we need to combine to form a powerful force. Combined, we are not a powerful force.
This is non-sensical. In politics a 3rd party may emerge, but it won’t be all of them, it will be only 1 of them. Look at history.
Which 3rd party should it be? The libertarian party? The quasi religious party? The radical left party? A socialist group?
We have to work for Libertarian ideals, it really means we need the LP to break from the pack, and be known as america’s third party.
we need to believe in competition, and don’t libertarians believe in it?
Competition will produce the winner. We need to firmly stand against collusion with minor parties that we do not support. We recognize competition as important and collusion and other socialist ideas as being failures. We can be respectful, but we need to be honest. To stand up for what we believe in, and tell the Chuck Baldiwn’s of this world, thanks but no thanks, we have a different vision for the future.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Yesterday you lost my support, and my vote. You were already wishy-washy on the issues, and this move proves a complete lack of common-sense. Do you have any idea what you’re doing?
“Non-voting” is a perfectly acceptable form of protest.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Barr Still Requires More Forthrightness, Courage, Patriotism
(Apollonian, 11 Sep 08)
I disagree w. Barr as he pretends people should or must vote. For to vote in a rigged/fixed election is very much to endorse such rigged/fixed travesty. Simply boycotting such travesty is good way to withhold such ratification/endorsement.
And what about Barr’s own failings?–as in not pointing out the false-choice/dichotomy aspect/nature of Obama-McCain, which is mere “choice” btwn zionist Israel-First on the Repub “right” vs. bolsheviki United Nations (UN) world gov. dictatorship on the Demo “left,” both funded by essential same Judeo-conspiratorial (see TheNewAmerican.com for expo/ref. on CFR-Bilderberg conspiracy) money power.
CONCLUSION: And why are Barr and Libertarians afraid to “put USA FIRST, NOT Israel or UN,” and to say so forthrightly? Honest elections and death to the Fed. Apollonian
September 11th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Ron Pauls appeal was to those who don’t vote….people like the libertarians on this blog that think somehow they’re more principled than those who don’t vote.
60% of the American People don’t vote, the 4 point agreement was to show the “principled non-voter” their interests are going to be represented. If you guys cannot see the wisdom in this, there is no helping you.
Most of those non-voters would have been more drawn to the LIbertarian candidate than any one else. That press conference was a HUGE endorsement of the Libertarian Party, but you were too hot headed to see it. Barr, you flat out blew it. The rumors of your dropping out were nothing more than ignorant people speculating as to the purpose of the press conference. I saw NO officials from the C4L speculating any of that. They were members who were basically clueless. Even now, many of them are still trying to find angles for Ron Paul to run 3rd party. Ridiculousness all the way around.
Had you just come and represented the Libertarian Party, you would have lost nothing, and gained much more, than alienating those who you say are following “the cult of personality”. The message of Liberty sells itself, and your being at the conference or not did NOTHING to undermine the message of Liberty. What it did do was alienate some like myself, who aren’t following a specific person.
What you’re calling leadership, is what I call a cop out. You have done what many libertarians do. You set you and your ideals above everyone else you might have something in common with. You’ve insured the Libertarian Party it’s place as the best debate club in the world. kudos.
Now I have no clue who I’m voting for. Thanks
September 11th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
“he also applauded ‘non-voters’”
That is a lie, or a misrepresentation of what Dr. Paul said. Without quoting I will just say Dr. Paul simply sought to present the fact that there are apathetic non-voters and non-apathetic non-voters and he was saying those non-apathetic non-voters should now go vote and show their numbers, show that the disaffected are now working actively against the two/one party stranglehold and manipulation. Get your story/facts straight before using such a gaff in your own understanding or honesty to justify yourself.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Bravo Bob! It’s very clear that RP’s not willing to unite for the very cause that he preaches about. I was very disappointed with you for not going to this press conference at first, but now I have to say that it makes total sense. RP is just going to scatter the 3rd party votes everywhere, thus making his whole point useless. I’m with you all the way Bob! Give ‘em hell!
In Liberty,
Jeff
September 11th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Unfortunately, RP’s reluctance to lead is both his greatest strength and his biggest weakness. It lets us know for sure that he isn’t interested in controlling anyone, but it’s preventing his movement from taking the big steps forward.
I’m still in the dark on this whole VP invitation… why would you publicly invite him if you didn’t know he’d say yes? Maybe it does ’show leadership’, but it seems rude to me.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Years ago, I wrote an email to Mr. Barr asking him to please run. So, when he entered the race this year, I of course supported him. I had remembered Mr. Barr as having a fairly good voting record and certainly was nothing like the neocons we have now.
However, his clear support of continued warmongering against countries who have not attacked us, his unbelievable waffling to both sides of the global warming issue and his inability to take a clear stance on just about everything, had made me wonder if I had made a good choice.
After yesterday’s stunt, I can no longer support him. I know I am not alone. His behavior showed complete lack of character and integrity and I no longer trust him.
Mr. Barr, more than one member of your campaign has stuck their foot in their mouth over yesterday’s press conference. It brought us together alright. Against you, unfortunately. So either it was your plan to hurt the LIbertarian Party, the liberty movement in general, or you have made extremely bad hiring decisions. If it is the latter, you probably should rectify it ASAP and issue a nationwide apology to Ron Paul. That is the only thing that will cause people to rejoin your campaign.
Today, I am very ashamed of you, Mr. Barr.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Once again, *some* Paulbots are disregarding reality.
K3n, here are Ron Paul’s own words from yesterday:
Since a principled non-voter sends a message, we must count them and recognize the message they are sending as well. The non-voters need to hold their own “election” by starting a “League of Non-voters” and explain their principled reasons for opting out of this charade of the presidential elective process. They just might get a bigger membership than anyone would guess.
BTW, Ron Paul isn’t going win the GOP nomination, either.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Good grief, what universe was this piece written from? Apparently there is at least one alternate reality represented here, and it’s not one I recognize as libertarian. In bizarro-libertarain world, maybe George Bush is idolized as the stirring kind of leader they admire, and maybe Bob Barr is a smarter, more principled and credible man than Ron Paul. But not in the reality most liberty loving people inhabit. Not by a long shot. This nonsense will not make it through the wash.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
As someone said earlier about Paul’s campaign, “…a coalition of the timid”. What a perfect storm the Barr/Paul ticket would’ve been.
Wayne, stand up offer. With regard to Paul’s decision yesterday, being from Vegas you’re probably well aware of the saying “No balls, no blue chips”.
Bob Barr is a true leader.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
At first I was somewhat dismayed by what happened yesterday, but this clarification is good. Now I’m more dismayed than ever by Ron Paul and his supporters. I’ve always been impressed and excited by the ideas espoused by Paul, whether in his speeches, essays and articles, or in his book, which I enjoyed very much. The ideas seemed to align perfectly with libertarianism to me. However, I don’t understand the rationale for a lot of his recent actions, including not supporting Barr explicitly, since he himself is no longer running. The other third party candidates he invited clearly do not hold the same beliefs that he does. His scattered support of all third parties seems more an act to spite the Republican party than a support of liberty. Getting people not to mindlessly vote for the duopoly would be a good thing, but to what end? Ultimately liberty needs to emerge as the only alternative.
By the way, Ron Paul is running unopposed in his Congressional district, I believe. Why doesn’t he switch to the LP in his bid for reelection? I just don’t understand his decision to remain in a party so opposed to his beliefs. And I’m more and more convinced that many of his supporters are there for the wrong reasons. They may be attracted to the cult of personality as described above. Or they latch onto a single issue like immigration because it sates their own prejudices. In any event, that they would hinder another champion of freedom is very distressing. I just cannot comprehend how anyone who supports Ron Paul’s beliefs and principles, and in light of the fact that he is no longer running for president, would not turn their support to Bob Barr. That would mean they never really believed in principles like smaller government, lower taxes, free markets, non-interventionist foreign policy, etc. in the first place.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
You lost my vote, Bob. You could have easily salvaged it by admitting you were wrong to shun Dr. Paul and apologizing to your supporters.
You are STILL attacking him. Saying the press conference was about “one man.” It’s insulting to those of us that admire Dr. Paul a great deal. The issue here seems to be that you percieve that the conference was all about Ron Paul…. so you being all about Bob Barr (and not about the historic moment that this could have been, a grand coalition of third parties), you decided to boycott instead of attending.
Even if you were right about the event, what harm could have come to you for going? Do you really think Ron Paul supporters who would have considered voting for you would EVER vote for McKinney? Until yesterday, I thought I would never consider voting for Nader. But your antics in the past 24 hours have solidified another vote for Nader in my state.
Face the facts, you really blew it with this one, and no amount of spin is going to convince anyone who has respected and supporter Ron Paul over the years that he has, overnight, turned into the egomaniac that people have claimed you embody (and perhaps, it seems, rightfully so). This election is about LIBERTY. It’s about the things Americans have in common that the two major parties ignore. This election is about returning our country to the people and giving us back our essential liberties. This election is NOT about Bob Barr. If you can realize that and apologize, I’ll give you my vote. If you continue in these childish antics, me and a lot of my fellow libertarians (and Libertarians) are going to take their support elsewhere.
Also, it seems that a great number of the posts on this blog are extremely pro-Barr and anti-Paul. A sharp turn from the posts yesterday. Yesterday you stopped people from posting, and today it seems you might be deleting posts that you don’t agree with. I hope that’s not true, because censorship by a Libertarian candidate would be just about the worst thing you could possibly do.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Bringing out just 15 % of the 60% of non voters would likely have benefited Bob Barr above any other candidate.
This campaign made a foolish move yesterday, if anyone looked selfish, it was Bob Barr. Maybe some of you should get out and talk to likely non voters and see what their positions are. I talk to many, in the state of Maryland, where it is predominantly democratic, 3-4 times a week at the bookstore, and believe me, they tell me they don’t vote because there is no alternative to Dem/Rep.
Many are apethetic/jaded to the point they haven’t even bothered to research the 3rd party options. To me, this a horrible way to go through life, but to some, it’s to stressful to immerse yourself in the B.S politics of our local area. These people, are what some refer to as “principled non voters”. They are those who your wonderful National campaign field guy, or whatever he’s called, decided to shit on yesterday, in his diatribe against Ron Paul. No, you guys made yourselves look like complete idiots yesterday.
What it’s done, is made people like me, the “Principled Voter” doubt your sincerity,and judgment as a leader.”
I will be watching your further actions in this campaign. I’m an undecided Independent.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Ron Paul did not praise non-voters in his speech yesterday. He did, however, find the common ground that all of the third-party candidates have: withdrawing from Iraq, protecting citizen’s privacy, reducing the national debt, and investigating the Federal Reserve. A great deal of politics is working with people with whom you don’t agree. There are major differences between the third party candidates, but I think it is important to present a united front to the factionist politicians in the Republican and Democratic parties. Encouraging people to vote third party can only help the Libertarian party. I am not a Ron Paul supporter, but even I can admire the way he is trying to bring the marginalized parties together.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Hey LibertyChick,
You understand Dr. Paul differently than I do. Oddly, I must mention that your posts on the C4L blog seem totally different than your posts here. I wonder if one of you is a different person than the other.
I find it amazing someone tries to paint me as one of the follow the personality folks that are still acting like RP could be POTUS 08, sorry…I keep trying to let those folks know how wrong and delusional they are.
The topics here have NOTHING to do with the POTUS run for RP, it has to do with the fact that RP is wanting to get the disaffected voters out and mobilized and energized. If you and Mr. Barr cannot understand this, there is no reason trying to explain it over and over to you. Much like nobody could get through to Mr Barr about the drug war until after he spent decades promoting it and executing it…somehow suddenly he changed his mind. Am I also to believe he is no longer tied to the CIA? From what I always heard, “once company, always company”…once you are jumped in, there is no out.
September 11th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
“In the heart of every American beats something of a libertarian” (paraphrasing of Barr). Libertarianism is a very mainstream idea (Barr).
Paul has demonstrated this and acknowledged also Nader and McKinney has a “libertarian integredient” that are cherished. The 4 point plan is a very libertarian plan, it also means fiscal conservatism. Paul has managed to achieve a real breakthrough in getting Nader and McKinney to also sign to the statement.
It seems Mr. Verney does understand yet what Barr and Paul means with “libertarian: and how to promote it as a mainstream idea. And then he praises Bush, the most disastrous and most unpopular president, despised among conservatives and liberals and criticize Dr. Paul. I cannot believe I am reading this. Paul has a perfect libertarian record over three decades. Few has done more for liberty and still continue to do.
I have defended Barr countless times, but now there are really some questions. Does Verney’s writing mean he endorses Mike Ferguson’s myspace writing, that was requested to be pulled by the Barr-campaign? Newsflash: For Paul it has never ever been about himself, he is the most humble and smart statesman, before he is a politician. Yet some seem so blind to see that…
September 11th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Ahhh, isn’t that cute. The Rockwell sycophants are weighing in coming from the link from his site. Thanks for the traffic Lew!
Too bad it was Lew Rockwell’s sorry self who left Ron Paul hanging during the newsletter scandal. Otherwise, thinking people may still have had enough respect for him and his writers to at least read the headlines of his site even thought the content falls into the anarchist fantasy league.
Rockwell has no right to even think about questioning someone’s integrity.
September 11th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
At the time, Bob Barr not attending was a bad thing. However, if you’re no longer voting Libertarian because of it, even after this above post, man, you’ve got some personal problems. You are not focusing on the issues.
Bob Barr didn’t attend not because he got caught in traffic, for personal issues, or due to scheduling conflicts, or that he woke up late; all of which the layman might forgive if Bob Barr gave those excuses and issued an apology.
No, Bob Barr didn’t attend because hours before, he found out that “…the message Ron Paul intended to deliver was essentially to scatter the votes for the liberty agenda to the four winds.” Bob Barr didn’t attend because the conference conflicted with his principles on Liberty; that Liberty, personal freedoms and sound money and a healthy foreign policy must succeed.
The American people need a leader. Making the public more aware of the 3rd parties is all good and true. I’m surprised the four 3rd parties all agreed to the big four issues. But this says nothing of leadership for Liberty. As noble and just as Ron Paul is, his Campaign for Liberty needs a direction. Ron Paul failed to give this cause a direction in 2008.
Simply put, Bob Barr is that direction.
If you run for the presidential office, you run to win. The American people need the facts, the best representative, for the right reasons. I feel Ron Paul supporters are being let down, or either just following whatever the good doctor recommends, while they wait for another 4 years. The debt and deaths are compounded, civil liberties decay, and bureaucracy increases. Congrats.
Ron Paul let slip the greatest power his followers have: the ability to vote. To have all this energy, ideals and foot stomping mean something tangible in a Republic society. To have them vote for a party whose views match their own, that they personally believe in. I can see no other alternative that closely resembles this than the Libertarian platform. Why hasn’t Ron Paul endorsed Bob Barr yet? I highly doubt the other platforms equal the Libertarian one.
And yet, there are Paulites who follow Ron Paul for the brilliant action he’s performed. Whatever that is. I don’t know.
Yes. Thank you, Ron Paul. There are more then 2 political parties. Now what?
September 11th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Whats Bob got to feel selfish for. I tell you Reps and Dems are the selfish looking ones. Forcing us to argue over some petty things that made no real difference to me. Im voting for Bob. Its too late to let the two party system fix it. Our freedom is ruined, America has a stain that cannot be removed, not just by the last 8 years of administration, but since George Washington we have slowly found sickening ways of taking our freedom. Tricking, lying, stealing, and back-stabbing. These are all things done by politicians since the days of Washington, and he warned us of this Party system, that it would divide and seperate us until we were freedomless.
I say if we dont win this year then we should march on government grounds all over the usa. No matter what we will get socialist programs and trillions/quadrillions taxpayer money wasted as well go to war with Isreal against the Evil the is destined to bestow upon them soon enough. Vote Bob Barr because hes our only hope.
September 11th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
K3n: I’m a different LibertyChick because I don’t know what C4L is. But with a handle like LibertyChick, I’m sure the other one is just as cool as I am.
September 11th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
This is too funny. People who defended Ron Paul for Newslettergate are saying that Barr doesn’t have principles because he won’t stand on a stage with Ralph Nader and boyz.
September 11th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Dear Bob and staff,
That press conference was about attacking a COMMON enemy to all 3rd parties. That is the Rep and Dems, and the inability to get into the debates. We need to make the sheeple of this country aware of other parties, their platforms and to send a message to the Oligarchy of this downward spiraling country that we NEED REAL CHANGE. Such as the one that the LP can provide. All the parties agreed to 4 SERIOUS platforms that affects all Americans. Free press coverage is also nice.
Please put aside childish behavior and unite with AMERICA against the Republicrat cancer.
LOOK AT THE GREAT BIG PICTURE.
For your childrens sake. Not mine, I refuse to enslave my seed to eternity of debt…
September 11th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Mr. Verney claims that the Ron Paul supporters who are angry at Bob Barr for not attending the press conference are part of a “cult of personality.” While I can not speak for my fellow Paul supprters, I can say that I am for liberty and I do not support any politician unconditionally. Ron Paul is not perfect, but he has been more consistent than Bob Barr in his support of libertarian positions. I can forgive Bob Barr for his past support of distinctly non-libertarian positions, but I am disappointed in his campaign’s recent attacks on Ron Paul.
The Barr campaign claims that Ron Paul is not a principled leader. Again, Ron Paul is not perfect, but he is very good on most issues and he leads by example. He has an actual record of being libertarian while in Congress. He chose not to run for President on the Libertarian ticket because it would have meant him losing his seat in Congress. He might have gotten 20% of the vote in the election,but America would lose arguably its only consistently pro-liberty Congressman.
Mr. Verney claims that Ron Paul put on this press conference to promote himself, and to splinter the libertarian movement into four factions. The truth is that Ron Paul did not do this press conference for only a libertarian audience, and he did not do it to promote himself. He did it to form an anti-establishment coalition united on some of the most important issues, and to raise awareness about the obstacles third parties face. He did say that many non-voters are principled, but he also explcitly stated that he believes non-voters should begin voting, and support one of the third party candidates. He did not encourage libertarians to vote for Nader of McKinney, but he acknowledged that they are good on a few of the most important issues, and deserve to be heard. Ron Paul put on this press cpnference so the four major third party candidares could recieve more publicity. People who planned to vote for Bob Barr before the press conference were unlikely to be influenced to support another candidate due to the presence of three other candidates there, though they may become disillusioned with Barr due to his attacks on Ron Paul. And libertarian leaning voters unaware of Barr until now will be much more likely to choose him than to choose Nader or McKinney or Baldwin, unless, of course, they are also turned off by Barr’s behavior.
If Barr did not want to go to the press conference, that would have been fine, but he should have said no from the beginning, rather than saying yes and then changing his mind at the last minute and then attacking Ron Paul.
September 11th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Ok… explanation is great… but how is Bob Barr going to get into the debates???
None of the 3rd party candidates are going to amount to squat if the American Public doesn’t see them actually take on McBama in a public forum.
Don’t be mistaken, I am voting third party, but I don’t see any chance of success if the third party candidates don’t get into the ring in a major way.
“As we move into the final 50 days of the campaign we are in place to make a strong impact on the future of our country.”
That sounds great, but what’s the plan? We had this issue with the Paul campaign. There was a tremendous build up, but it seems that no one ever lit the fuse.
This movement needs a landmark event. And no, the Rally for the Republic was not it. Awesome rally, but doesn’t have every American discussing over dinner. And the Paul Money Bombs just showed that there was a bomb in the room.
September 11th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
George Bush showing leadership by posing for a photo-op? You’re kidding, right?
September 11th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Now if we can get Wayne Root to agree to step aside so that Bob can extend his VP invitation to Gary Johnson, successful businessperson and two-term governor, we’ll have a ticket!
September 11th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I posted this message this afternoon in a blog titled Results on Ron Paul’s Campaign for Liberty website. I wanted Ron Paul’s supporters to know why Bob Barr had not attended Congressman Paul’s press conference yesterday. Also, I had noticed that many of his supporters had gotten mad at Bob for not attending, and I did not want that to continue.
Jack Gannon Says:
September 11th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Here is a letter written by Russ Verney, Bob Barr’s campaign manager, explaning why Congressman Barr did not attend Ron Paul’s press conference yesterday.
http://campaign.blog.bobbarr2008.com/2008/09/11/principled-leadership-in-times-of-crisis/
September 11th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Politics is a contact sport. You play to win. Ron Paul is no longer in the game and the only truly effective thing he could have done was to either overtly or covertly send his support to Bob Barr. That would have accomplished something.
it is a long game we have been playing and we are making progress. We are making it onto the radar screen. If we were not I would not be hearing so much anger from my readers over my support for Barr over McCain. Republicans used to ignore us. This time around they are treating us as a worrisome player to be nullified.
That’s progress. Lets stick together and build on it.
September 11th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Thanks for the clarification. It’s disheartening to see Ron Paul generate so much enthusiasm and understanding for Liberty, and then have this disjointed reaction of “endorsing” anyone but the two parties. It really doesn’t make sense and makes me question what kind of leader he would be.
These recent developments show lack of thought about strategic and tactical decisions. Dr. Paul is obviously a smart man, but there was absolutely no leadership that came from the press conference. Unfortunately, this is the best evidence that he would not be a good leader.
I am happy that both Barr and Root have put the country before themselves and had the humility and determination to create a better country. We need to change the game, when the rules are against us. Dr. Paul was the best bet, but that evaporated. Now more than ever we need to get the word out individually with your family, friends, neighbors, the corner grocer, etc…
September 11th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Barr, I was fighting for the LP ever since Paul dropped out. Now I don’t know what to do. I would like to believe you are on the same side, but this petty bickering makes me wonder how viable you are as a candidate. I like your fiesty aggressive attitude, but this time it has turned into hot headedness that has worked against you. You have some serious amends to do my friend, or else freedom is going to have to wait four more years to get its shot.
Mr. Verney, your letter was deplorable, and has made me not want to be subscribed to the Barr 08 mailing list.
September 11th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Dana: You said “[Bob Barr supports] continued warmongering against countries who have not attacked us.”
Is this a continued warmongering against Bob Barr for that South America thing somebody twisted into existence? Let’s try basing our opinions on facts, and not on what some blogger(s) cooked up to discredit Bob.
jenny: I seriously doubt anyone is putting George W. Bush on a pedestal. I read that as a sort of analogy. Basically saying standing up and being a leader is admirable, regardless of the leader, when they could be cowering in a Secure Undisclosed Location instead.
Scott Spitzer: Read the byline. This article was written by Russ Verney, but you’re attacking Bob as if he wrote it.
Bob also: That’s exactly what’s happening. Bob is looking at the big picture. It was decided the details of the press conference conflicted with the campaign strategy he has been operating by for months, so he decided not to attend. Unfortunately nobody seems to understand that it’s his right to do so. They just want to focus on the idea that they were somehow slighted.
Frank: According to the campaign they learned the details of the press conference in the middle of the night the night before. They made their decision to not attend as soon as it was possible to do so.
Alright that covers most of it.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Before people get ready to lynch Ron Paul or Bob Barr over this, might I suggest we take the time to look closely at both sides of the argument?
September 11th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
If you are on the ballot here in SC I’ll vote for you..
We have electronic machines here.
I’m also going to vote for Bob Conley to take the place of Lindsay Graham.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I am glad that Mr. Barr did not pander to get Ron Paul votes - that is true leadership. While Nader, Baldwin and McKinney who are nowhere in the polls would do anything to beg for votes.
I am a Ron Paul supporter, campaigned for him, sent money etc. but I think the idea of saying vote for anyone or don’t vote at all as along as its not McCain or Obama is probably the worst idea Ron Paul has ever come up with. At a previous time, Ron Paul stated that writing in his name would do no good at all and that he would not recommend it.
Ron how is not voting doing anything better? You are making a conflicting statement.
Bob Barr has my vote and I am even more sure now than before.
Hats off to you Mr. Barr, I am proud that you didn’t beg for votes.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I have been a Libertarian for a long time. People like the late Harry Browne shaped my political ideas and I can never repay him for that.
When Ron Paul announced he was running for President, I, like many of you became very excited at the idea of one of our own finally getting the attention that the message of Liberty deserves. I am very disappointed that Dr. Paul would self destruct the movement in which he helped form.
Ron supporting Mr. Barr or even Mr. Baldwin could be seen as natural, but Nader and McKinney… you’ve got to be kidding me. McCain catches a lot of flack for being too friendly with the Democrats? Nader and McKinney are Socialism at its worst.
At first I didn’t understand why my candidate did not show, but now I do. I thank you Bob and Wayne for sticking to your guns, even when it wasn’t the POPULAR thing to do.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
quit the censoring in the barr campaign…
but i have the basic Idea of what I said earlier.
Ron Paul’s move was genius yesterday and I don’t know if Barr has thought about it, but from a purely mathematical standpoint…say 5 candidates are on the ballot and have all been given fair journalistic coverage and is given ample time in the debates (once they are allowed to be on the debates haha)…lets say each state has 50% to 70% turnout. To win the total vote it would only take 11-15% of the population to agree with your platform…Of course the Electoral college complicates it state by state but It is “Doable” If we focus our attention on make the third party as Candidates from the respective parties as opposed to being called “Spoilers” for the republocrats. This is a Great thing because not only would it force the government to act in its “Republic intentions” of protection of rights and the defeat of the Noble status one gets in the major party (singular) comparatively…it would also ensure Honest debate, and defeat the lesser of two evils mindset so many have been conditioned to believe.
This is a great thing to strive for in the 2012 election(ritual) because I believe it will be a hard fought battle to challenge the process laid out in less than 8 weeks or so…
I also would like to make another point to fellow Barr supporters, We need to think about what concept is more important, The Uniform of liberty which Barr tends to lean towards, Or the Unity of Individuals for liberty in which Paul lean towards.
I believe there is a great moral difference between the Two.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
http://www.jimduensing.com/bob-barr-must-apologize-to-ron-paul.html
The Barr campaign had confirmed attendance at Paul’s event, but did not attend, giving somewhere between zero notice to an hour’s notice to the Paul folks. Some of Bob Barr’s friends believe he didn’t show up because Paul wasn’t going to give him an individual endorsement. Some of Bob Barr’s friends believe Paul wouldn’t endorse Barr because Barr believes the government’s conspiracy theory regarding 9/11 without question. For the record, on this issue, I agree with Bob’s diminishing list of friends.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I have been a Ron Paul supporter for the last year or so and I agree completely with Mr. Barr as to what he thinks Paul needs to do. Mr. Paul has built one hell of a movement and right now he seems to prefer sitting on the fence and not really pushing the agenda forward.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Ron Paul said “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
Why doesn’t he give up (the security) of his repubilican congressional seat to run as a third party (liberty) candidate.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
At first I was upset at that Bob didn’t just bite the bullet and join the other candidates. It was certainly a good opportunity for some press (unfortunately it coincided with this lipstick scandal that dominated mainstream media), and might introduce him to some Paul supporters who didn’t know him before.
But hearing all the outrage since, I had to take a step back and look at what is important. I really don’t see a difference between the petty bickering between the Reps and Dems over lipstick, and the anger people are feeling over Bob deciding on principle not to join Ron Paul’s new conference. Neither makes a bit of difference to how the candidates would reduce the national debt or uphold the principles of the constitution. Remember the issues people, and decide who you agree most with. For me, its Barr, and until he does something that makes me seriously question his capacity to follow through on his promises, I’m sticking with him.
Besides, I think most of the people commenting negatively on Bob were against him to begin with for their own reasons, and this was just their perfect opportunity to trash some more.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Bob Barr is really just arrogant to the extreme. Basically, he expects Ron Paul to endorse him and hand his supporters over on a silver-platter. Barr doesn’t seem to understand that he has no credibility whatsoever within the libertarian movement, given his previous voting record and this recent insult to Congressman Ron Paul.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
I have to tell you, in my opinion the people who are outraged at Bob Barr not giving his support to Ron Paul’s latest gambit, never supported him anyway.
The numbers show they didn’t support Bob Barr anyway. This entire thing has been about poaching LP membership, and the outrage here today, orchestrated.
Paulites were on yahoo finance, talking about 3rd parties just before the conference.
CP and some Paulites are certainly trying to give us a way overblown impression of Barr missing a conference.
WHO CARES. If this is so great for 3rd parties, then I guess we’ll see a huge surge for the people who were on the stage.
We won’t.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I was upset when the LP nominated this clown(Bob). I was still willing to stick with my party. Now my instincts proved right. One can not expect a lawyer to be honest. I am changing my voter registration, and am ashamed of this watered down group of war lovers.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
It is time to start packing your bags. You’re headed back to the GOP. You got your revenge for the 2002 defeat. You’re not fooling anyone any more. We’re on to you.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Pablo Escobar: His previous voting record isn’t nearly as damning as you might imagine. Do some research, and I don’t mean among the same self-serving circles that already detest Barr. You might be surprised at what you find, and just how much it differs from the negative spin.
Keith Gardner: You act as though Bob has been snake dancing in robes during joint press conferences with Karl Rove and Dick Cheney while speaking in tongues and condemning modern science as heretic blasphemy on a weekly basis since May. That’s not happened. Try again.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Robert, I doubt we’ll see a surge for the people who were on the stage. However, I’m guessing we’ll see a drought for those who weren’t.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
I have donated a lot of hard earned money to this campaign, I have bought yard signs and have bumper stickers on my car. But this latest BS coupled with the WE Event earlier has forced me to switch camps and vote for Baldwin.
Backing out 30 mins before the press conference, then holding your own. Then releasing a letter previously sent to Dr. Paul about being his VP. You have got to be kidding me! That thing was just a stunt and filled with a little contempt. Talk about class!
Paul’s point was to strengthen all third parties and to offer alternatives to everybody but Barr, his campaign and th LP decided they were more important and then touted it as real leadership in unity. 1 is not greater than 4, regardless of the views the point was to agree that the two party system has to be crashed. Paul was not the one making it about himself
Yes I do agree that Paul does have to get a hold of some of his staffers and jerk a knot in there tail. Some are rude and others are lacking in leadership capability and that is inexuceable.
Unless something drastic happens I am voting for Baldwin, but he and the CP I am also not too happy with in their refusal to work with anybody else but CP people. But maybe this co-operation in the press conference was a good sign. But if they pipe in on this bickering I will be done with them all and maybe be one of those non-voters that Dr. Paul expressed understanding in.
FYI the CP reference about not working with others well is the recent news to me that they turned down joining the recently formed Constitutional Alliance which has a main goal of Fighting REAL ID with the Stop REAL ID Coalition. There logic was Republicans were in the Alliance and they work with Democrats and Republicans in the State and Federal governments. Hello thats all that is in government now and we have to work with them and if they are willing to listen then the Letter after there name makes no difference.
This is why Third Parites have to unite if not in a legal manner which would be weird with differing philosophies but at least in a common effort to help each other gain a foot hold.
Dr. Paul may not have started this but he sure the heck has done a lot and taught us a lot and for the Barr Campaign to act as it has is disgraceful, there is more attention on Liberty issues than ever before and if not for Paul and his efforts the LP, CP I, & G would not be at the point they are now. What gratitude. Everyone wanted to know who Paul endorsed but when he gave an answer you did not like you stormed out like a spoiled child. He endorsed all Third Parties and continued to slam the established system.
Wake up people or we will be voting for the lesser of the two evils until we can no longer vote for evil is the only thing we have been voting on.
Now lets get to work!
September 11th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Well Bob you went and done it now…
As much as I opposed your nomination you’ve done went and earned my support. I began campaigning for Ron Paul when the rumors he would run first broke 3 months before he announced the formation of an exploratory commitee. I supported Mary Ruwart for the nod just in case Ron did not win the GOP nomination.
In protest of your nomination and with disregard for my past experience with the Constitution Party, I decided I would support Chuck Baldwin. I was quickly reminded of why I disassociated myself with the Constitution Party to begin with. Let’s just say I’m no fan of dirty politics. Their character is unbecoming of Christians. They seem to be more concerned with bumping the Libertarian Party from it’s position as third largest party than they are with confronting establishment candidates on the issues or more importantly running an honest campaign.
Throughout Ron Paul’s campaign I felt their were times when he should’ve been more aggressive in confronting his opponents on certain issues. I had hoped he also came to this conclusion when, during one of the debates, he was asked if he had any regrets and he replied something to the affect “my only regret is not being more aggressive defending the Constitution.” I saw a leader in the Ron Paul that fearlessly and unbashfully took on Chris Wallace, Mitt Romney, and Mike Huckabee in Michigan. I thought he had finally, whether he wanted it or not, accepted the fact that he was chosen by the people to lead the movement he had inspired. But he quickly retreated back to the ambiguous mild mannered good country doctor character, “surprised by the response” as if it were some kind of accidentally inspired political uprising that he had no power to mobilize at will.
I thought he had the GOP by the shorthairs with the possibility of a third party run. Though he dismissed the idea, the media kept pressing him on whether or not he would run independent, and as primary states came and went, yet he remained calm, I became more and more convinced an independent run was indeed in his playbook, that the General Washington of the second American revolution did indeed have a plan, and in their rejection of Ron Paul Republican voters had willingly secured their own November defeat.
There was talk of delegates forcing a brokered GOP convention, as third party nominating conventions came and passed. Then there was a March. Then a Rally in Minnesota where it was hinted “McCain and the GOP might be in for a big surprise”. Nothing!
I felt like I purchased a deed to the Brooklyn bridge. But wait…. a “major announcement” press conference? Shame on me for losing hope, I thought. Shame on me for losing faith in this great man. The “major announcement”? Congratulations sucker! You bought a deed to the Brooklyn bridge.
Bob, yesterday you said EXACTLY what I wanted to be there to say myself. And to that Kokesh kid, the Walter Cronkite of the blogisphere, who said “there’s a time to lead, but there’s a time to follow” I would say to him, I’ve been following Ron Paul for 2 years waiting for him to lead only to be left feeling more like I’ve been lured than lead. I feel like General Washington lured us to the battlefield then turned to us and said “good luck men. I’d like to stay and fight but I can’t betray my King. If I do I might lose my life, my fortune, or my sacred honor.” I feel as if Ron Paul has left us, monitored for 2 years under FISA, left us to the mercy of future Attorney General Rudolph Giuliani because his seat in Congress is more important than what may become of us in the wake of our dissent. We, his loyal band, willing to take a bullet for him if need be. What is to become of us?
I would remind that young man Mr Kokesh of what he said at the Rally for the Republic, “you want a revolution, you better be prepared to fight for it”, and ask him if that applies to every revolutionary except Ron Paul?
I placed my hopes, my faith, my dreams, and my aspirations for America, in the hands of “the good country doctor” Ron Paul. I was left with “a sense of urgency”. Ron Paul’s failed us as a leader and in doing so quite possibly got us into serious trouble. America may need a Doctor, but the R3volution is now in need of a good attorney. A fiesty southern attorney who had the courage to risk his seat in Congress to enforce the Constitution on a sitting President.
I’m trusting, quite litterally my life, my liberty, and my future security to you Bob Barr the fiesty couragous southern attorney. Godspeed, sir.
September 11th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Here is a newsflash: Ron Paul is supporting all Third Party candidates.
Bob Barr was awesome tonight on Lou Dobbs. You could tell Lou was happy to have him and enjoyed him more than when Lou had Nader in the previous segment
Go Barr Go.
It’s time for Libertarians and Americans to unite against the Two Party system. We have like 53 days left and we have rasied $892,000 and counting. I’m proud to say we Floridians have been donating a lot.
Please make your donation to make these final days count.
September 11th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I am very happy that RP came along, however, we must remember that he is not God. Bob Barr blowing off his press conference should not be a big deal. Barr is not obligated to do everything that Ron Paul wishes him too. Obviously, it would have been nice for Barr to have given some notice, but he is in the middle of a campaign for president. His campaign made the decision they felt was best. Fact is, RP stood on stage with two of the worst pieces of communist/socialist scum in this country and told people that it would be a good idea (or atleast not a bad idea) to vote for them. I don’t understand why he thought this was a good idea, but he did, and that is fine. I still support RP and his mission, just as I still support Barr and his mission. After all, they are both working towards the same goal. Disagreements on tactics should not be allowed to destroy, or even inconvenience, our movement. WE MUST REMEMBER THAT YOU, ME, BOB BARR, CHUCK BALDWIN, AND RON PAUL ARE ALL WORKING TOWARDS THE SAME GOAL!
September 11th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Christopher…. I dont know how much it will help, but I do know for a fact that it cant hurt, but I have been putting a post (along with a few other posters on here) that asks suppoerters of Bob to do 3 things to try and get him on the debate stage. If you do all of them, it doesnt take very long yet it sends a message that if a large number do it, that will be extremely powerful
The 3 things are:
Sign the Debate Petition found at
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/presidential_debates/
Go to the next site, enter your name and email address and the pre typed email is sent to approximately 90 people including the ‘Big 2′ candidate offices, and staff that are planning the debates.
http://www.lpgeorgia.com/opendebates.php
The last thing is to make a single phone call to the Commission on Presidential Debates and express your voice that youre tired of the same political talk with no substance. Make it known that you want Bob Barr in the debates and talk about REAL issues along wtih REAL ways to actually implement them.
That phone number is 202-872-1020
September 11th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
http://www.nolanchart.com/article4570.html
give it a thumbs up and send a message to the barr haters at nolan chart.
September 11th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
For LibertyChick-
“The non-voters need to hold their own “election” by starting a “League of Non-voters” and explain their principled reasons for opting out of this charade of the presidential elective process.”
“League of Non-voters” Statement of Principles
1. Politics suck
2. Party on dude
3. You can’t pick up drunk chicks at the polls
4. Thinking is for losers
5. Knowing stuff is nerdy
6. Dumb is cool
7. American Idol is on
8. The game is on
9. You have to work
10. All politicians are crooks
11. America is always right
12. It doesn’t matter who wins, they ain’t gunna change nuthin
13. NAFTA? Is that a new soft drink?
14. Smoke another joint
15 It doesn’t effect your life
16. If you’re not doing anything wrong you don’t have anything to worry about.
17. When it comes to politics, you’re dumb
18. Who cares?
Feel free to add to the list.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Rev Arley
I’m a recovering Non-Voter. For years, I could relate to #’s 10, 12, (actually helped do some work for Nafta many years ago) and 15. I was about to do the same thing this year until I heard about Bob Barr. After listening to that first interview, and watching him on Glen Beck, I’m a changed man. Dont give up on the Non-Voters, we jst have to get the word out to them.
I believe one of the best ways to do that is to get Bob on the debate stage. After he gets on there and blows McBama out of the water with real issues and real solutions to those issues the press will be all over him… well, hopefully. But it will definitely get him alot more attention.
The 3 ways to do that that I know of are:
Sign the Debate Petition found at
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/presidential_debates/
Just checked and the number is growing, but not at the rate we need it to. We have 229 on the list right now and that has got to grow faster.
Go to the next site, enter your name and email address and the pre typed email is sent to approximately 90 people including the ‘Big 2′ candidate offices, and staff that are planning the debates.
http://www.lpgeorgia.com/opendebates.php
The last thing is to make a single phone call to the Commission on Presidential Debates and express your voice that youre tired of the same political talk with no substance. Make it known that you want Bob Barr in the debates and talk about REAL issues along wtih REAL ways to actually implement them.
That phone number is 202-872-1020
September 11th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
19. Dude, baywatch re-runs are on.
20. I have a…uh…thing, that uh….I hear my mom calling!
There are two more, not feeling creative today for some reason.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
well Michael, I forgot to add a few that I used to use.
21. It’s about time to go to the club
22. It’s time to go to the beach and play Volleyball
23. I’ve got to wash my car/truck
24. Ive REALLY got to organize my coin collection
September 11th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Michael, I finally got some intelligent responses on the other site, they’re kind of slow going, but I think that I finally got through the haze of some of them and we’re actually having conversation. lol
To the others that dont know. I’m trying to go to different sites and get the word out about Bob. Currently am on http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2008/09/why_do_lies_prevail.html and trying to get through to these people that are debating about who is lying the most. Ive been posting things like, lets talk about real issues and actually got some bites. Amazingly, they have been cordial and not accusatory/heated. Come on.. let’s go!! lol
September 11th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
If you’re a real libertarian and would like to read an article written by one of the founders of the LP, here it is. http://www.nolanchart.com/article4805.html C’mon, Jonathan, give it a thumbs up!
September 11th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I agree with Matt’s statements above, gessh with all the petty bickering in posts were starting to sound like Democrats and Republicans! Please remember and let cooler heads prevail, were ALL WORKING TOWARDS THE SAME GOAL OF LIBERTY! Let’s not forget that Bob Barr is still in this race, lets get him elected!
with regards, Patrick Hubble
September 11th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
James R. if you doubt there will be any surge for the people on the stage, then you made my point.
By the way, this has been experimented with in other countries, its always a complete failure. People don’t donate their effort, time, and money to nothing. They need a cause they can believe in, anything else is insanity.
We have CP people posting here everyday, they’ve concluded its easier to try and cause a ruckus inside the LP then it is to say anything useful about their own agenda, and guess what, posing as an LP member kind of gives them a pass on having to defend their ugly beliefs…and they are, quite disgusting.
As for Ron Paul, say what you want about the LP, it is a political party, Bob Barr, this year, represents us as our presidential candidate. We’ve had many others, we’ll have many more. Ron Paul is just a guy.
Ron Paul supporters have to understand that while Ron Paul is free to represent himself, Bob Barr is obligated to represent a membership of 17,000. He is not free to make any choice, not as a man of honor. He must respect the integrity of this political body and what its 17,000 member nominated him to do, and that is to promote the interests and protect the integrity of the LP. There could be no greater violation of organization integrity than to subjugate the LP under the umbrella of another organization.
This is a small political party, but every bit a political party.
A lot of people don’t understand what it means, for a group to band together, with common interests to promote a common goal.
But Bob Barr, by making the right choice, showed that he did.
Libertarian ideals are important, but the integrity of the LP is also important and not to be toyed with.
Anyone in politics for a long time, will understand that political parties promote their own agenda, thats their role. Its first principles. Its what they are designed to do. It why we are here.
We know for a fact, that after initial interest on election day, voters will vote for Obama and McCain and 3rd parties will get less than they were polling. Thats easy, it happens every 4 years.
What important now, is that in 4 years more, the LP is stronger. The C4L probably won’t exist in another 8. Without Ron, it cannot last, just like Ross Perot and the Reform party….one more go around with a pat buchannan hijacking the group, and then every gets disgusted and quits….honorable wager on it?
September 11th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
[Comrades, I'm being steadily, consistently CENSORED at the other Barr blog--why?--unless Libs are frauds? Below is copy of what was submitted on "Video: Bob On Lou Dobbs," 11 Sep"--what's wrong w. it? A.]
Libertarians REFUSE To Put USA First Over Israel And Judeo-Conspirators
(Apollonian, 11 Sep 08)
Bob Barr is very articulate speaker, without a doubt–but he only hits at random, specific issues–NOT the necessary general problem Judeo-conspiracy (see TheNewAmerican.com for expo/ref. on CFR-Bilderberg conspiracy) and crux thereto, the Fed COUNTERFEITING scam/operation (see RealityZone.com for expo/ref. on US Federal Reserve Bank fraud).
CONCLUSION: Bob Barr and Libertarians must “Put USA FIRST, NOT Israel or UN”–but Libertarians have a different agenda which is to secure Judeo-conspirators, as demonstrateD by Lib blog censoring Apollonian posts like this one. Honest elections and death to the Fed. Apollonian
September 11th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Bob Barr is obligated to represent a membership of 17,000. Really? How come the word Libertarian only appears once on his home page? As a link to join the LP. Is he somehow not proud to be a Libertarian?
p.s. Are you sure Bob Barr hasn’t pulled a Pat Buchanan?
September 11th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
First, a quick note to Daniel Peterson who posted awhile ago. He stated that he would no longer vote for Barr and accused him of not knowing what he is doing. He also stated that a “non-vote” was a perfect form of protest.
Well Mr. Peterson it is you who has no idea what you are doing. A “non-vote” is one of the worst things one could do especially this year. This is an EXTREMELY important election and every vote will count. You need to brush up on Political Science 101!!!
Furthermore, although what Barr did was very risky and it did cost him votes, I support his decision 150%!!! And I am ashamed to be a former Ron Paul supporter. Mr. Paul if you ever decide to run again in the future, you have lost my vote!!!
September 11th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I think this is a huge blunder on the Barr Campagn’s part.Getting into a battle with potential allies over minor issues is just plain dumb. Barr’s Campaign already had problems with certain segments of the libertarian voting block. This action has just made this problem much worse.
The attacks on the integrity of Ron Paul are counterproductive to say the least. Stop them now and move to make amends.
I myself disagree with certain aspects of the Paul strategy, just as I disagree with the strategy of many other libertarian organizations. I try (emphasis on try) to keep my disagreement civil, unfortunately this does not seem to be the case for many in the movement. If you’ve read the blogs on the Campaign for Liberty site, there is way too much nastiness, just as there is on many other libertarian sites. Not a good example of how a free society should work.
September 12th, 2008 at 2:05 am
LP Membership after 35 years - 17,000
Campaign for Liberty Membership after 3 months - 102,000
Bob Barr Donors - 8,000
Ron Paul Donors - 160,000
Bob Barr Campaign Contributions - 800,000 (Of 30,000,000 predicted when nominated)
Ron Paul Campaign Contributions - 35,000,000
Yes, Ron Paul is dragging Bob Barr down. Lol.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:55 am
A few weeks ago Root mentioned in an interview the strategy to get access to the debates would be to get both Barr and Nader on the ballot, e.g. the McCain camp may object if only Barr was included, but agree if Nader is also included.
For this reason also, it would have made great sense for Barr to attend the “third party meeting”. He may well also have been included in the CNN discussion with Wolf Blitzer afterwards.
Let us be clear, only a very minimum of Paul supporters would consider voting for Nader (this would be people who voted for Kucinich or Gravel etc. in the primaries and anti-war leftists) and most would vote for Barr and some for Baldwin. For Barr to be together with Paul on the stage would send the message and may well have helped in persuading some Barr skeptics to vote for him. As for sharing stage with Baldwin, will Barr and Root not share the stage with Baldwin and Clymer on the 20th at the CLC?
Paul has demonstrated the fact that liberty bring people together across party lines and the fact that Nader and McKinney has signed onto the very libertarian 4 point plan is a great breakthrough. Is this not the start to persuade people to consider the LP in the future? Barr has supported the strange bedfellows idea in the bloggingheads interview a few weeks ago and he also met with Gore and shared a cigar, what is so different in sharing a stage with Nader? Nader is with regard to foreign policy, but also border-security/illegal immigration very much an “Old Right” politician, like Barr and Paul.
Also people like principal and also cooperation between people, thus the coalition of third parties is a good idea. It does not mean they give up their identity or platform.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:48 am
Wow. It’s a real shame Ron Paul did this. His Party treated him like crap and treated him worse than their Democratic opponents, but I think many Democrats and independents would have gladly voted for him if he ran with Bob Barr. Combined with the disgruntled Republicans like myself, we could have made a huge difference, since by sucking up votes we could teach both parties an important lesson for next time.
When I heard Barr/Paul was a possibility, I thought it would be great for our cause and would seriously de-FDRize the Republican Party. Unfortunately politics got in the way.
Personally, I prefer Barr to Paul. Cutting government completely immediately would create major national chaos of all kinds. It was just plain silly when Paul said he would replace the IRS with “nothing”. And a mandatory gold standard subject to extreme inflation-extreme deflation cycles isn’t fun either. (True libertarians know that “multiple competing currencies” already exists in certain parts of the country, not to mention American Eagles being legal tender if we cared to use them that way.)
All I know is that I was extremely unhappy while watching portions of the RNC. The focus had shifted from beliefs and values to the Democratic “solving problems” strategy. And we all know from our income tax and health care problems that there will always be some screw up with each new law. Even GWB concentrated on beliefs and values, whether we agreed with him or not.
If you secure yourself on the ballot here in PA you’ve got my vote. Either way, both Democrats and Republicans will “solve problems” and screw us all.
September 12th, 2008 at 6:50 am
I really wish Wayne Allyn Root had won the presidential nomination for the LP. I was at first unsure of Barr, but had since come to support him as the best nonPaul candidate. (The lesser of two goods, if you will.) This has really reverted me back to my original state - I’ll still be voting for Bob Barr, for the Libertarian Party, but no longer as enthusiastically as I would have before.
September 12th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Sooooo, Barr had the audacity to think he should pull away ahead of the pack. …just can’t trust those politicians!
Well, I’m voting for the Libertarian Party!
But, Russ. That really was a lame segue painting Bush as noble atop a firetruck just to get past 911 into the leadership conversation. Ignoring our current administration’s complicity in 911 is a horrendous mistake that could have washed me all the way to socialist McKinney.
September 12th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I support Rev. Arley’s comment of 8:18pm 11 Sep above. Well said Reverend.
“You can evade reality, but you can’t evade the consequences of evading reality” — Ayn Rand
September 12th, 2008 at 11:39 am
[Libertarians: u need to take heed--I'm now regularly banned fm posting, CENSORED, on the Barr blog for this site. Below-copied is latest censored item, fm "Recapping..., 12 Sep 08--ask urself--what's really wrong w. it?--and isn't it really genuine, substantial, even incisive criticism? A.]
Barr, Libertarians Merely Let Themselves Be Used To Legitimate Farcical, Rigged Charade Of “Elections”
(Apollonian, 12 Sep 08)
Entire pt. to this farce, “Funniest…,” is Bob Barr and Libertarians are merely used to legitimate Judeo-conspiratorial (see TheNewAmerican.com for expo/ref. on CFR-Bilderberg conspiracy) farce and charade of false choice btwn zionist Israel-First Repubs on “right” vs. bolsheviki United Nations (UN) world gov. dictatorship Demos on the “left.”
CONCLUSION: Proof is Huckabee is featured as “winner.” Barr and Libertarians are simply played for fools, lending credibility to rigged charade of “elections”–rather than getting truthful message out to people. Honest elections and death to the Fed. Apollonian
September 12th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Who is he calling a socialist and religious zealot?
September 12th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Do you people read the posts? Or just scroll down to type?
September 12th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Hello Everyone: with all of this hub bub going on with Ron Paul and Bob Barr is politics of fear. Ron Paul is still a Republican. The fact of the matter that Ron Paul pushing Ralph Nader is an attempt to get people to vote for Ralph thinking that Ralph will siphon votes from Obama. I think what you witnessed the other day was Republican politics at it’s finest. This is the game that Republicans and Democrats play. It is obvious that the McCain Camp is concerned that Bob Barr will take votes from McCain. It looks like the reasoning of the Ron Paul press conference was to get people supporting Obama to vote for Ralph Nader to attempt to even up the score. This thing just smells of republican tactics.
September 12th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Amandine, one of the main reasons Barr hasn’t met his fundraising expectations is because RP sucked up $35M of libertarian money. I personally know 5 people who would have gladly given us money, but instead maxed out their contribution to RP early on and just can’t afford to give anything this year. It was their choice, and a risk, but one they were willing to take. The RP movement also radicalized a lot of people and drew them away from politics, or removed any room for compromise in their minds, which doesn’t help change the system, IMO. I’m hoping many of them will at least show up to vote this year, but it’s not a sure thing. Which is too bad, since we have one of those great opportunities to say to the powers that be “enough is enough.”
September 12th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Not a chance, Bob Barr ever pulls enough votes from the 30% of known voters that are split between McCain and Obama.
End the fantasy.
He will only pull more votes from non-voters. Non voters would be more apt to vote for Bob Barr than anyone. This will only happen with a reach out to non-voters. This is what the press conference was. But according to Bob Barr, this was a pointless exercise. We’ll see how it plays out.
I think if the issue would have been between Bob and Ron instead of Bob’s people, and Ron’s people, they would have had a better understanding of the purpose. It’s a shame really. In my eyes, Bob came out looking real bad. I’m still undecided on my vote.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
This is wonderful! The Washington Post actually noticed we exist! Paul and Barr are total geniuses, you can’t buy publicity like this. Everyone is so energized to defend their chosen hero, these two sure know how to whip the troops into a frenzy (and just when their herd of cats seemed about to drift off into the unregimented individuality they claim to cherish, too.) I’m proud of all of you. Watching all you freedom loving individualists beat the hell out of each other for refusing to conform to each others party line . . . all that passion makes the heart swell with pride and hope for our cause. Unity is for suckers — divide yourselves behind a hero today!
September 12th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I was skeptical of Mr. Barr from the start. After much soul searching, I determined that if we libertarians will not allow those who have seen the light run for office, then we are not likely to expand. In other words, if some other high profile Republican gets tempted to switch on principle and we have rebuffed Mr. Barr, that person may very well decide to go for the Constitution party or something else.
However, now, I am appalled. Last election cycle, Mr. Badnarik was careful to reach out to the Green Party, the Constitution Party and, even, the Communist Party. Easily the most entertaining and informative debate was held between those four. This year, it appears the Libertarian Party has decided it is too big for that, that if anyone wants liberty, they must do it on the LP ticket, which is just foolish. Should someone wish to get personal liberty but prefer the environment be addressed differently, they would be better served in the Green Party, wouldn’t they? If we are the party of freedom, we should be for freedom.
So, here we have Mr. Barr, whose best reason so far for not having attended the press conference was some rumors, claiming ‘leadership’ in making an offer that any sane Ron Paul follower would find insulting. Perhaps it was bold action, but it was completely out of touch with the reality of the situation. Had Mr. Barr attended the press conference and made the right noises, he might have garnered a share of the available Ron Paul army, which, at this point, dwarfs the entire Libertarian Party. This is where solid leadership comes in, where one does the calculus to determine the best course of action.
Mr. Barr was never asked to endorse the other parties, merely to state out loud in public things he agrees with. For that, Dr. Paul would deliver an endorsement for all third parties, which would hopefully lead to many of his Republican and Democrat supporters voting third party, which is a good thing. Even though Mr. Barr absented himself from this conference, Dr. Paul was kind enough to include him in the endorsement. This, of course, showed real, magnanimous leadership.
Dr. Paul is not running outside of the Republican party because he would lose his congressional seat, which is more important to the cause of liberty than Mr. Barr’s needs for votes for himself and the Libertarian Party.
It is, truly, that last line that changed my mind. I have been supporting Bob Barr somewhat reluctantly and am now going to either write in Paul or vote for Baldwin. I have not decided which. I would advise the Libertarian Party in general and Mr. Barr’s staff in particular to consider what damage they are doing to the cause of liberty in their pursuit of votes for the Libertarian Party.
September 12th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
SilverLining: I love you too, and that last line was priceless.
Perry W Munger IV: I think it’s fairly obvious that Bob already intended to announce the VP offer at the Ron Paul press conference, but had to find other means after the last-minute decision to not attend.
September 12th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Whether or not you think Bob’s not attending the press conference was a mistake or not…it was Bob’s decision to make, and it has changed absolutely nothing about his platform or what’s at stake in this election.
Whether or not you think all the third parties taking the stage and asking for vote for anyone besides McBama was a good idea or not…it doesn’t change the fact that everyone here is a part of the Liberty movement and should agree that for the Liberty movement to succeed the Libertarian Party must become the Third Major Party in the United States.
Whether or not Baldwin, Nader, and McKinney signed on to RP’s 4 principles…doesn’t change the fact that none of these three are truly in line with libertarian philosophy, and many things Nader and McKinney believe are in fact in direct opposition to libertarian beliefs.
Yes it is true that we must promote the anti-vote of McBama, and encourage non-voters to get registered and make a difference…but even hinting that voting for socialist platforms like Nader and McKinney just for the sake of sending a message to Republicrats doesn’t sit well with me.
Also, encouraging non-voters that it’s ok to continue to not vote by
suggesting they form a League and hold their own elections was not wise decision on RP’s part…You can’t solve a problem by ignoring it, and you can’t break the duopoly without casting votes against it.
Ron Paul has been a true Patriot throughout his career, but I think recently he has become misguided by the people around him. It seems apparent to me that the CFL has been infiltrated by a group of individuals (including members of Ron’s own staff) that are more interested in personal gain and forcing their beliefs onto others than truly promoting Liberty. I think Ron Paul is a very sincere champion of Liberty who has been, and still is being, taken advantage of by individuals who do not have his, or America’s, best interest in mind. I pray that Ron Paul comes to realize the truth about these people, fires them from CFL and gets it back on the track it should be on.
The individuals who have attacked Bob in the aftermath of this event and still continue to attack him are proving that they themselves are not champions of Liberty.
Paul was just added to the Louisiana ballot, I think that makes three States that he has been added to the ballot in by groups he himself does not endorse. I think these efforts are very misguided and can only serve to hurt the future ballot access efforts of the LP in those States, not to mention much needed votes that will be drawn away from Bob in those States. I feel Ron Paul should remove himself from these ballots, because they will not serve to further the cause of Liberty.
The future salvation of the United States depends on the success of the libertarian movement. These were the beliefs of our founding fathers, these are the beliefs of all freedom loving American patriots, but many have forgotten and been blinded by the duopoly. These are the beliefs our nation must return to in order to begin healing itself. Now is the time to unite all efforts. The Republican party has fallen beyond redemption…Ron Paul please come home to the Libertarian Party. Please accept the invitation to become Libertarian Vice-Presidential Candidate.
———————————————————————————————-
Sign the Petition to Open the Debates to Third Party Candidates:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/presidential_debates/
Contact the CPD at (202) 872-1020, ask them to include Bob Barr in the debates.
Visit http://www.lpgeorgia.com/opendebates.php to automatically send an email to over 90 people involved in the debates and ask for Bob Barr to be included.
September 13th, 2008 at 5:57 am
“Less taxes”?
Do you mean fewer taxes?
Maybe you’d get more support if one of your slogans wasn’t grammatically incorrect. You might also win more support if you weren’t afraid to share a stage with Ron Paul.
September 13th, 2008 at 6:29 am
John Serop Simonian: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKt2s0LjUHY
September 14th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Randy: You said:
“Also, encouraging non-voters that it’s ok to continue to not vote by
suggesting they form a League and hold their own elections was not wise decision on RP’s part…You can’t solve a problem by ignoring it, and you can’t break the duopoly without casting votes against it.”
Ron Paul was acknowledging that people can and do not vote as a matter of principle, claiming that their vote would have to be one cast between one of two distasteful characters. He was not encouraging these people not to vote or by seriously holding “unofficial” elections. More precisely, he was encouraging those people who would not vote to actually vote in the general election for one of the 3rd party candidates. In this way they are “in league,” joined together in a greater cause, but not altogether separate from the voting process itself. That being said, it sounded to me as though Ron Paul’s message there would be positive to the Barr/Root campaign.
September 15th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Aaron,
Are you kidding? These Barr folks are, as they